In early 2026, WhatsApp will stop working on a long list of older mobile phones. that no longer meet the minimum technical requirements. The change, which Meta has been announcing in its notices and help centers, will affect both Android phones and iPhones that are stuck on older versions of their operating systems.
The most used messaging platform in Spain and much of Europe has decided to reduce compatibility to strengthen security and performanceIn practice, those who continue using one of these models will see how the app starts to malfunction, stops updating, and eventually stops opening or allowing the sending and receiving of messages.
When will WhatsApp stop working on older phones?
Meta has set as a reference January 2026, with special emphasis on January 15thto implement the new compatibility cutoff. Some reports mention January 1st as the start date for the policy change, but the actual rollout will be gradual and may vary depending on the region and device.
What is clear is that, from that period onwards, Mobile phones that do not meet the minimum operating system version will be excluded from official support.First, they will stop receiving new features and patches; then, the app may start displaying constant notifications or closing on its own, until it becomes impossible to use.
Before this happens, the application itself usually display internal notifications warning of the end of compatibilityThese alerts usually recommend updating the system or changing devices and are the last call to back up chats.
In Spain and the rest of Europe, where many devices from more than a decade ago are still in use, The impact will be especially noticeable for users who continue to use older mid-range and low-end mobile phones., which no longer receive updates from their manufacturers.
Minimum requirements: Which version do you need on Android and iPhone?
The change is based on an update to the software requirements. On Android, the minimum becomes Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higherAny phone that remains on an older version, or that cannot be updated to that version, will no longer be supported.
In the Apple ecosystem, the benchmark will be iOS 15.1 as the minimum versioniPhones that have fallen below that operating system level will no longer be able to run WhatsApp normally and will not receive new versions of the app from the App Store.
WhatsApp argues that Maintaining compatibility with very old systems requires carrying over old code.This increases the risk of security breaches and limits the introduction of new features, especially in encryption, advanced backups, and anti-fraud tools.
Furthermore, many of these phones are already running on fumes: slow processors, little RAM, and limited storageThis causes crashes, errors, and a very poor experience when trying to use the current version of the app.
Android models that will lose WhatsApp
The list of affected Android phones includes dozens of popular models from over a decade ago. They all have in common that They cannot be updated to Android 5.0 or highereither because the manufacturer stopped providing support, or due to hardware limitations.
Samsung devices that will lose compatibility include: models that were very popular at the time in Europe and Latin America, such as:
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Samsung Galaxy S4
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
- Samsung Galaxy S5
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3
- Samsung Galaxy Ace 3
- Samsung galaxy core
- Samsung Galaxy Trend
- Samsung Galaxy J2
The LG family also includes models that were very common in European operators at the time who are left out, many of whom were once very prominent in European operators with subsidized contracts. Among the most notable are:
- LG Optimus L3 II
- LG Optimus L5 II
- LG Optimus L7 II
- LG Optimus F5
- LG Optimus L3 II Dual
- LG G3
- LG Nexus 4
The Huawei users They will also be affected if they retain classic models such as:
- Huawei Ascend Mate
- Huawei Ascend G740
- Huawei Ascend D2
In the case of Motorola, The first-generation Moto G and Moto E will no longer be supported.These devices were very popular at the time due to their good value for money, but are now considered obsolete for the app's new requirements.
They will also be affected Sony and HTC models that no longer receive any type of update:
- Sony Xperia Z2
- Sony Xperia Z3
- Sony Xperia M
- HTC One M8
- HTC Desire 500
- Other older HTC phones without the possibility of updating to Android 5.0
In practice, any Android device older than 2014 that has not received recent updates. is at risk of losing access to WhatsAppAlthough in some cases the app may continue to function for a few more days or weeks, sooner or later it will cease to operate normally.
Affected iPhones: Goodbye to older models
In the Apple ecosystem, the cutback is also noticeable. All iPhones that cannot be updated to iOS 15.1 or later will no longer be compatible with WhatsApp.This affects, among others, the following models:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- 6 iPhone Plus
- Models prior to these
The discontinuation of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus may surprise some users in Europe, where they are still used as a second phone or in work environments. Although they can still be used for calls or SMS, losing access to WhatsApp greatly limits their usefulness as a primary mobile phone..
In these models, the app will usually stop updating first; then, Messages will start appearing requesting a newer version of iOSThis will no longer be possible to install. When this happens, there will be no official way to keep WhatsApp working on those devices.
Reasons for the change: security, performance, and support
The company that owns the app, Meta, insists that this decision is in response to security and service stability needsThe more legacy systems that need to be supported, the more difficult it becomes to close vulnerabilities or incorporate modern encryption and data protection technologies.
Older devices not only have outdated software, but also hardware incapable of handling recent functions such as higher quality video calls, encrypted cloud backups, or advanced tools against spam and malware.
In addition, phone manufacturers typically only offer updates for a few years. When that period ends, security patches stop arriving. and the device becomes a weak link within the user's digital ecosystem.
From a technical support perspective, Keeping an app like WhatsApp running on dozens of older versions of Android and iOS is becoming less and less sustainableReducing the list of compatible systems allows resources to be focused on improving the experience for the majority of users who do have newer mobile phones.
What will happen to your phone if it loses compatibility?
When a mobile phone is added to the list of incompatible devices, the process usually involves several steps. First, The app stops receiving updates on Google Play or the App Storealthough it may continue to work for a while with the installed version.
As WhatsApp introduces internal changes, it's normal that errors, unexpected closures, or problems sending and receiving messages may occur.In some cases, a warning will be displayed indicating that the Android or iOS version is too old.
At a certain point, the application may refuse to open altogether to connect to the service's servers. At that moment, the user loses access to their chats from that device, unless they have them backed up and can recover them on another compatible mobile device.
As a temporary solution, some people resort to WhatsApp Web or the desktop versionHowever, these options also depend on having a working and linked primary phone, so they are not a real alternative in the medium term if the device is no longer compatible.
How to check if your phone will still be compatible
Before making any decisions, it's a good idea to check which operating system version you have installed. The process is simple on both Android and iPhone. It can be done in less than a minute from the phone settings..
On an Android device, the usual steps are:
- Walk into Configuration o Settings.
- Find the section About of the phone or similar.
- Locate the field Android version and see the number that appears.
In the case of an iPhone, the process is similar:
- Open the app Settings.
- Ir a General and then to Information.
- Check the section iOS version to find out which version you have installed.
If the number meets the requirement (Android 5.0 or higher, iOS 15.1 or higher), For now, you can continue using WhatsApp without problems.If your phone is running below the latest version, you should try updating from the system menu. If the phone no longer offers newer versions, it's best to start planning a device upgrade.
How to backup your chats
Given the possibility of losing access to the app, the most important thing is protect the messages, photos and videos you have storedWhatsApp allows you to perform automatic or manual backups to the cloud, depending on the system.
On Android, backups are performed via Google Drive. From the menu of Settings> Chats> Backup can configure the copy frequency (daily, weekly, monthly) and force an immediate backup before the mobile phone runs out of support.
On iPhone, the system works similarly but using iCloud. WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Backup is possible Start a backup and enable automatic saving.It is essential to do this with a WiFi connection and sufficient battery power to avoid interruptions during the process.
If you're already sure your phone will be one of the affected devices, the recommended course of action is Verify that the copy has been completed successfullySo, when you buy a new compatible phone, you'll only need to log in with your number and restore the backup from the cloud.
What options do you have if your mobile phone becomes incompatible?
If the device does not support a system update that would bring it within the minimum requirements, There will be no official way to continue using WhatsApp on that phoneIn that scenario, the only real alternative is to change your device.
The most sensible thing to do is to opt for a model that guarantees several years of security updatesIn the case of Android, more and more manufacturers are promising longer support cycles, something to keep in mind if you don't want to run out of apps again in a short time.
Before doing the migration, it is advisable:
- Verify that the backup is up to date and stored on Google Drive or iCloud.
- Make sure you remember your phone number and have access to the SIM to receive the verification SMS.
- If you deem it necessary, notify your contacts that you are going to change devices.
Although other messaging applications exist, WhatsApp remains the primary communication tool For families, groups of friends, work, and associations in Spain and the rest of Europe, losing access on your usual mobile phone can be a significant inconvenience in your daily life.
The compatibility adjustment that WhatsApp will implement from January 2026 is, essentially, Another step in the gradual withdrawal of phones that have fallen behind in security and performanceFor those still using one of these older models, checking the system version, backing up your data, and considering a new phone is the best way to avoid surprises and stay connected seamlessly in the new year.
